Shoe-shank stiffener and method of making the same



Aug. 9, 1927. 1,638,137

R. E. BARTELS SHOE SHANK STIFFENER AND METHOD OF-MAKING THE SAME Filed June 12. 1924 Patented Aug. 9, I927.

I 1,638,137 --u1-u'r1=.o STATES. PATENT OFFICE.

' REINH ABD E. BARTELS, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS.

SHOE-SHANE STIFFENER AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME.

Application tiled June 12, 1924. Serial No. 719,679.

Where shoe shank stifi eners'are'formed from a pair'of superposed metal strips having their ends fixed together as by the-use of int rfitting portions thereof, it is found that ven though these strips are initially very securely fastened, they work loose as the shoes are worn and move relative to each other sufiiciently to become noisy.

According to the present invention the two parts are put together under stress and united at their ends 'byspot' welding. By this constructionthe advantages of the two piece stifleners are retained and at-the same time the parts are so united that they can prongs being outwardly directed. The opnot Work loose.

For a more-complete understanding of this inventiom'reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which 7 plan View, respectively, of, thecompleted.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one of the elements of the stifl'ener.

Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Fig-' ure 1. I

Figure. 3 is a perspective of the other ele ment of the stifl'ener.

. Figure 4: is'a section on line 44 of Fig ure 3.

element.

Figure 6 is a side elevation showing the twoelements welded together at one end.

Figures 7 and 8 are a side elevation and stifi'enen I 7 One of theelementsfof the stifl'ener as shown at-1 in Figure. 1 comprises a metal strip molded to a longitudinal and lateral curvature, the lateral curvature being for a portiononly of its length-to form a convex bead 2 extending alon the concave side of the Ian itudinal curve 13' 'ereof, leaving a relatively. ong, laterally flat end 3 and a relatively short, laterally flat end 4. The other element, shown detached .in Figures 3,4,- and l I 5, comprises a flat strip of metal 10 which preferably has formed at its.-endsj.-;integral attaching prongs '12 by which the stiifener whe'n comp eted maybe fixed to the shoe. However,"'if it is. not desired to use integral prongs, this. section,-or'b otli sections, may be constructed 7 in anypther suitable manner topermit fastening elements for attaching the stiffener in [the shoe to be engagedftherewith. p

- As is shown the prongs 11 are of considerable length and are intended to be driven through the heel seatportion of the innersole,

Figure 5 is a side'elevation of the samewhile the prongs 12 are shorter and are intended to-be formed so as to be clinched within the material of the innersole without passing therethrough, these prongs being positioned adjacent the forward end of the shank at the break line of the sole.

The parts are then assembled as shown in Figure 6, one end of the strip element 10 bemg placed against one end of the molded strip element 1 on its longitudinally convex side and fixed thereto by spot welding as at 15. As shown in this figure the endof the element 10 having the prongs 11 is placed opposite the end 3 of the element 1, the

posite'end oflthe element 10 is then sprung as by galvanizing to prevent rust. By thus uniting the two elements to form the com; pletedstifl'ener they become an integral piece so that there is no ossibility of the elements becoming detached or working loose when in sition in theshoe.

' aving thus described this invention it should be evident that various modifications and changes might be made therein without departing from its spirit or scope as defined by the appended claims.

'Iclaim: I

'1. The method of making a shank stiffener 'which comprises molding a metal strip to "a longitudinal curvature, fixing to one end of said molded strip on its convex side a flat strip, bringing the strips together in superposed relation, and fixing said strips together adjacent to their opposite ends. Y i 2. Themethod of making a shank stiffener which'comprises molding a metal strip toa longitudinal curvature, welding to one end of said molded strip on itsconvex side a flat strip, bringing the stri s together in supertoone end of said molded strip on its longitudinally convex side a flat strip, springing the strips together in superposed relation,

and fixing said strips together adjacent to their opposite ends.

4. The method of making a shank stiffener v which comprises molding a metal strip to a lateral and a longitudinal curvature, welding to one end of said molded strip on its longitudinally convex side a flat strip, springing the strips together in superposed relation, and welding said strips together adjacent to their opposite ends.

5. The method of making a shank stifi'ener I which comprises fixing together at one end ferent longitudinal curvature sprung a pair of strips of different natural longitudinal curvatures, springing said members together in longitudinally overlying relation, and fixing them together adjacent to their opposite ends while thus sprung together.

6. The method of making a shank stifiener which comprises welding together at one end a pair of strips of different natural -longitudinal curvatures, springing said members together in longitudinally overlying relations, and welding them together adjacent to their opposite ends While thus sprung tosaid. first strip and sprung1 superposed metal strips, one of said stri s being and substantially fiat adjacent to its ends,

said strip also having a longitudinal curvature so that the lateral concavity is on the same side as the longitudinal convexity,"the other of said strips being substantially flat laterally and bridging the, concave side of said one strip, said strips being sprung and Welded'together adjacent to their ends at their substantially flat portions.

10. A shank stiffener-comprising a metal strip curved longitudinally, and another metal strip overlying said vfirst strip and sprung to the longitudinal curvature thereof and welded thereto adjacent to its ends.

curved laterally intermediate its en s- 11. A shank stifiener comprising a metal strip curved laterally and longitudinally,

and another metal strip bridging the laterally concave side of said ,first strip and sprung to its longitudinal convexity and welded thereto adjacent to its ends.

12. A shank stifiener comprising a metal strip curved laterally for a portion ofits length, laterally flat adjacent to its ends and curved longitudinally, and another metal strip bridging the laterally concave side of to its longitudinal curvature on its longitu and welded thereto adjacent to its ends at its relatively flat portion.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature.

REINHARD E. J BARTELS.

inally convex side 

